Uzbekistan passes industrial and nuclear safety bill in first reading

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — The Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis has reviewed and passed a draft law in its first reading aimed at improving legislation in the fields of industrial, radiation, and nuclear safety.

During the discussion, lawmakers noted that the development of new industrial sectors and the introduction of high-risk technologies require further improvements to legal regulations.

An analysis of accidents and incidents that occurred in recent years indicates a need to strengthen safety measures, increase the accountability of entities operating in these sectors, and develop mechanisms to prevent violations.

The bill provides for amendments and additions to existing legislation to improve the state control system in the spheres of industrial, radiation, and nuclear safety, the use of atomic energy, and the further development of legal regulation governing relevant public relations.

In particular, the draft law proposes supplementing the Criminal Code with provisions establishing liability for violations of industrial safety requirements if such actions cause moderate or severe bodily harm, death, or other serious consequences. Concurrently, the Code of Administrative Liability is planned to be supplemented with provisions establishing liability for violating norms and rules regarding the use of atomic energy.

The document also clarifies the powers and legal status of state bodies operating in these sectors, which will entail amendments to several existing laws.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a mechanism for applying financial sanctions against legal entities for violations related to the use of atomic energy and the provision of radiation and nuclear safety. These measures are expected to increase the responsibility of economic entities and improve compliance with safety requirements.

During the debate, deputies raised clarifying questions regarding specific provisions of the document and offered proposals for its further refinement.

Following the review, the Legislative Chamber passed the bill in its first reading.